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Cochin

Today a sleepy, relaxing port town, Cochin was once a prosperous, cosmopolitan city built upon the spice trade. Throughout its long and tumultuous history, Cochin has been contested by a series of warring powers, from local Indian empires to the Dutch, the Portuguese and the English. Despite such tumult, Cochin remained a key destination for traders throughout the Malabar (southwest) Coast and the Indian Ocean, among them the Chinese, Syrians, Jews, and many more. Thankfully, Cochin, renamed Kochi after independence, has managed to preserve not only its small-town, quaint atmosphere, but also its beautiful colonial architecture, positioning it as one of India's leading tourist destinations in the south.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

"Jew" Town

Once home to Cochin’s large, thriving Jewish population, today the “Jew” Town area hosts a series of spice shops, antique stalls and souvenir stores. While most of Cochin’s Jewish inhabitants emigrated following the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, many of their houses still stand – painted bright, cheerful colors and built along old world designs.

Cochin Bay

Visit Cochin’s famed bay, where Chinese fishing nets continue to be operated by hand. Get a brief but robust upper-body workout by helping fishermen operate these magnificently antiquated contraptions, with giant rocks used as counterweights. If you make an exceptionally good haul, you can buy fish straight from the men manning the net and have a hawker near the Dutch House (a few minutes walk away) fillet it on the spot.

Colonial Architecture

Explore the winding, narrow streets of Cochin, which sport a charming, unusual blend of colonial architecture and native aesthetics. Walk past houses with whitewashed stucco walls and tiled roofs, imposing forts with grand archways, and Catholic churches reminiscent of old Portugal – with prominent bell towers, columns, and high ceilings.

Cooking Class

Meet an affable and welcoming woman who is an expert chef in the Syrian-Christian culinary tradition; Remote Lands can arrange private cooking classes in her home for those interested in learning more about this cuisine.

Kerala Backwaters

After cruising to a delta with smaller canals, switch to a canoe, which will be manned by a backwaters resident. Glide past well-kept homes where you’ll often see women doing laundry and hear children cheekily calling out. The backwaters are a must-do in Kerala, and as such are quite popular with domestic and international travelers who sometimes have treats for the children they meet.

Kerala Houseboat

Explore the backwaters of Kerala from a houseboat. The merging of the freshwater rivers and the saltwater in the Arabian Sea creates lagoons and lakes along the coast that are home to unique marine biodiversity.

Paradesi Synagogue

Visit the historic Paradesi Synagogue, which was built in 1568, and stands in Cochin's old Jewish quarter, known as "Jew" Town. Cochin Jews are so few today that they cannot form a minyan – a quorum of 10 men – without Jews from outside Cochin, but services are still held here, making it the oldest functioning synagogue in the commonwealth of former British colonies. Antiquities that you will see inside include the Scrolls of the Law, several gold crowns received as gifts, many Belgian glass chandeliers and a brass-railed pulpit.

India Regions

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Cochin Itineraries

All Itineraries
Multi Country
Ultra Luxe
Beaches of Goa, Backwaters of Kerala

Beaches of Goa, Backwaters of Kerala

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $7,300
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From Bollywood to Ancient Ruins: A Journey Through India and Sri Lanka

From Bollywood to Ancient Ruins: A Journey Through India and Sri Lanka

Duration
17 days / 16 nights
Price Per Person
From $17,600
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Palaces & Houseboats: Charming South India

Palaces & Houseboats: Charming South India

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $9,800
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The Ultimate Indian Ocean Adventure: India, Sri Lanka and Maldives

The Ultimate Indian Ocean Adventure: India, Sri Lanka and Maldives

Duration
26 days / 25 nights
Price Per Person
From $30,100
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Beaches, Waterways, and Palaces by Private Jet: From Cochin to Goa

Beaches, Waterways, and Palaces by Private Jet: From Cochin to Goa

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,700
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Taj Malabar Resort & Spa

Taj Malabar Resort & Spa

Cochin, India

Situated on the tip of the manmade Willingdon Island, the Taj Malabar Resort & Spa provides remarkable views of historic, picturesque Cochin harbor. After a year-long restoration this 95-year-old landmark property returns renewed while maintaining its classic charm. Rooms and suites have been redesigned and decorated with meticulous detail, offer stunning waterfront views from bay windows. Each room offers a LCD television, custom, stylish décor, surround-sound systems, massage showerheads, and work desks and chairs. Dining options include the Rice Boat, which specializes in fresh-caught seafood and is modeled after a traditional kettuvalam boat, complete with garden entrance in the form of a ship’s bow and an authentic cane roof; the Pepper, a twenty-four hour eatery featuring eastern and western cuisine in a bright, cheery space; The Pavilion provides an oriental experience; and the Mattancherry Bar. Additional facilities include a well-equipped fitness center and spa, which features a full menu of rejuvenating, refreshing therapies. The Taj Malabar Resort & Spa is approximately 60 minutes from Cochin airport (COK).
Brunton Boatyard

Brunton Boatyard

Cochin, India

Set in a restored boatyard dating from the Victorian era, the Brunton is located at the tip of Fort Cochin. Designed in the style of early Dutch and Portuguese buildings, with whitewashed walls, a sloping tile roof and terracotta floors, the Brunton features twenty-two rooms – all of which face the sea, and are fitted with antique furniture and high royal beds with steps to climb up to them. Dining options include the History Café, which serves a fusion of Dutch, Syrian, Indian and Keralan cuisines in a room paneled with warm woods and teak crossbeams; the Terrace Grill serves the best of that morning's catch; and lastly, the Armoury Bar, which overlooks the harbor and features a selection of teas and classic cocktails. The hotel has a small pool next to the sea, an Ayurvedic center with massage and healing treatments, and a steam room, but does not have a fitness center. There is no business center, though there are secretarial services and Internet access. The Brunton Boatyard lies approximately 30 minutes from the airport in Cochin (COK).

Malabar House

Malabar House

Cochin, India

The charming Malabar House, voted Best Boutique Hotel by Time magazine, dates back to 1755 when Dutchman Jan Herman Clausing owned it. Spice traders, tea merchants and bankers subsequently occupied it before being turned into luxury accommodations. There are 17 rooms and suites, divided into Deluxe Rooms, Roof Garden Suites and the Malabar Suite; all have tiled floors and are decorated in vibrant color schemes with antique objets d’art. In-room amenities include televisions, direct dial telephones, safe deposit lockers, coffee makers and mini bars. The property’s restaurant, Malabar Junction, serves delectable seafood prepared in Indian and Mediterranean styles and if the weather is nice, meals or drinks can be taken in the courtyard, which often hosts local dance or musical performances. Upstairs from the restaurant is Divine, a wine bar focused on Indian wines. Malabar House is in the heart of historical Fort Cochin, opposite St. Francis Church and 3 minutes walk to the Chinese fishing nets. The property is a 1.5-hour drive from Nedumbassery Cochin International airport.

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